Hasimara

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Hasimara is a small but significant town in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal state, India. It is located at 26° 45' 0N latitude and 89° 20' 60E longitude at an altitude of 245 metres above sea level and has a population of about 40,000 (2001 census).

The town is located in the central Dooars region of the district and is surrounded by tea gardens. The town also lies on the way to Phuentsholing, the gateway to Bhutan, and the border is just about 8-10 km away.

The significance of this little town lies in the Air Force Station of the Eastern Air Command being located here. This is one of the more strategic air force bases of the Indian Air Force.

[edit] No. 16 Wing,Indian Air Force

The Indian Air Force's 16 Wing is located near Hashimara. A strategically located airbase, along with the 20 Wing at Bagdogra, it is responsible for combat air operations over North Bengal, Sikkim and if needed, Bhutan.

Nos. 22 and 222 Sqdn, operating Mig-23/Mig-27 Floggers are based at Hashimara.

The airbase is commanded by an Air Commodore.

The Indian Army's 17 Division is located nearby at the Binaguri army cantonment.

[edit] Transport

The town is served by the Hasimara railway station (Code:HSA) which lies on the Siliguri-Alipurduar route. This line has recently been converted to Broad Gauge and many important trains now pass through.

Hasimara is also connected by frquent bus services to the district headquarter Jalpaiguri and other North Bengal towns like Siliguri, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, etc.